Overview
Biological treatment breaks down most organic matter, but some compounds resist it. Activated carbon is used as a final polishing step to capture micropollutants in municipal effluent and to cut chemical oxygen demand (COD) in industrial wastewater and landfill leachate, often so the water can be reused.
How it works
- Wastewater passes through primary and biological treatment.
- Powdered carbon is dosed into the activated-sludge process, or the effluent flows through granular carbon filters.
- Remaining organics and micropollutants are adsorbed.
- Spent granular carbon is reactivated or replaced.
Why coconut shell
Hard granules resist breakdown during backwashing and reactivation, helping filter beds last through repeated cycles.
This page describes activated carbon in general. Suitability for a specific use depends on the activated carbon grade and the system it is used in.